US 850 band users wanting to sell Neo

From Openmoko

The problem

The phase 1 Neo1973 does not support support the 850 MHz GSM radio band. Since the 850 MHz band is popular in North America this may be a problem for North American users, as they will find poorer reception and more "black spots" on the Neo than on phones retailed locally especially in rural areas.

Because the phase 1 Neo1973 was intended as a developer release a number of North American buyers may have received their Neos before this problem was fully appreciated.

Will a modification to my Neo 1973 (GTA01bv4) be possible?

As of Feb 08, it has been confirmed by Openmoko[1] that this is not possible, presumably due to the difficulties in getting FCC approval for a (relatively) small number of phones for a model which is no longer in production.

The best option for those with GTAO1 phones in areas where they need 850MHz is therefore to get a Neo FreeRunner instead which everyone presumes will have an 850MHz option (a check on actual performance with 850MHz has already been done).

--Nsquires 7:01, 11 November 2007 (PST) Black Neo, $280 plus shipping from Los Angeles, CA. Like new, with screen protector film still on. Only used a couple of hours for testing. Contact me though my user page or email nathansquires (a) gmail.

--bchurchwell 20:01, 24 November 2007 (PST) Black Neo Advanced Kit, $400 including shipping from San Diego, CA. Like new, with screen protector film still on. Only used a couple of hours for testing. Most accessories never removed from case. Email bchurchwell@gmail.com

--KrisAbsinthe Feb 15,2008 Neo 1973,Black and Silver $250 Free Shipping inside USA. All other countries will pay shipping. Great Condition w/ lanyard, stylus lost, 512 MB MicroSD,Head Phones. For $280 (total) I will send the device in for the GSM firmware upgrade. Before shipping it off. Includes Latest usable Root and Kernel. Gsmhandset.state has been hacked for better sound, GPS pre-installed and working with TangoGPS. Earlc8451@clarkstate.edu Selling cause I live in a GSM 850 area.

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The problem

The phase 1 Neo1973 does not support support the 850 MHz GSM radio band. Since the 850 MHz band is popular in North America this may be a problem for North American users, as they will find poorer reception and more "black spots" on the Neo than on phones retailed locally especially in rural areas.

Because the phase 1 Neo1973 was intended as a developer release a number of North American buyers may have received their Neos before this problem was fully appreciated.

Will a modification to my Neo 1973 (GTA01bv4) be possible?

As of Feb 08, it has been confirmed by Openmoko[1] that this is not possible, presumably due to the difficulties in getting FCC approval for a (relatively) small number of phones for a model which is no longer in production.

The best option for those with GTAO1 phones in areas where they need 850MHz is therefore to get a Neo FreeRunner instead which everyone presumes will have an 850MHz option (a check on actual performance with 850MHz has already been done).

--Nsquires 7:01, 11 November 2007 (PST) Black Neo, $280 plus shipping from Los Angeles, CA. Like new, with screen protector film still on. Only used a couple of hours for testing. Contact me though my user page or email nathansquires (a) gmail.

--bchurchwell 20:01, 24 November 2007 (PST) Black Neo Advanced Kit, $400 including shipping from San Diego, CA. Like new, with screen protector film still on. Only used a couple of hours for testing. Most accessories never removed from case. Email bchurchwell@gmail.com

--KrisAbsinthe Feb 15,2008 Neo 1973,Black and Silver $250 Free Shipping inside USA. All other countries will pay shipping. Great Condition w/ lanyard, stylus lost, 512 MB MicroSD,Head Phones. For $280 (total) I will send the device in for the GSM firmware upgrade. Before shipping it off. Includes Latest usable Root and Kernel. Gsmhandset.state has been hacked for better sound, GPS pre-installed and working with TangoGPS. Earlc8451@clarkstate.edu Selling cause I live in a GSM 850 area.